Palace assures gov't response to Zambo attack

Malacañang on Monday assured the public that the government is "responding" to the attack on Zamboanga City by followers of former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari.

 

"The authorities are responding to the situation in a manner that will reduce the risk to innocent civilians and restore peace and order to Zamboanga City at the soonest possible time," Malacañang said in a statement released on Monday.

 

The Palace issued the statement after around 100 armed followers of Misuari attacked Zamboanga City and took at least 20 people hostage.

 

According to the Zamboanga City government, it has arrested 11 MNLF members but that some residents were still trapped in Barangay Sta. Catalina, where some MNLF personnel took hostages.

 

"The ongoing attack of armed individuals in Zamboanga City, including initial reports of the possible use of civilians as human shields, is a cause for great concern," it said.

 

"We condemn the attack on Zamboanga City in the strongest possible terms. It is incumbent on all people of goodwill to reject the violence that has erupted," it added.

 

It said the Zamboanga City government has already appealed for the national government's help and that President Benigno Aquino III is being briefed on the situation and is receiving regular updates. 

 

"We ask our fellow citizens to refrain from spreading speculation: fear and alarm spread by disinformation will only help those intent on disrupting the lives of residents of Zamboanga City," it said. —KG, GMA News